Continuous Professional Development

An introduction to 3D printing

Course Summary

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, offers a range of advantages in comparison to more traditional manufacturing techniques. It offers greater flexibility in terms of design, parts can be created quicker, and be produced at a lower cost. 

In this two-part online course, you will be given a broad introduction to 3D printing. Whether you are new to additive manufacturing or are looking to expand your knowledge of this exciting technology, this course will offer an insight into the different types of printers, materials, and applications available today.  

You will also be looking at 3D printing workflow, the process of taking an initial concept or idea, through to the final fabrication of a physical product. Our training material will guide you through the entire 3D printing process, providing you with the knowledge that will allow you to produce your first 3D printed part. 

Upon completion, you will have a greater understanding of how objects are made and how designs can be improved using additive manufacturing techniques allowing you to create your own 3D printed parts by designing them yourself in a CAD package or by making use of one of the many libraries of digital models available online.

NOTE: This is a self-directed course delivered online. Please use the token code to register.

This course is funded by the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Fund as part of the Advancing Manufacturing Challenge Fund

This 3D printing series is made up of two individual courses:

  1. Introduction to 3D printing
  2. 3D printing workflow

The learning outcomes of each course are broken down as follows:

  • Introduction to 3D printing
    • Generate awareness of how 3D printing started and how it has developed to where we are today
    • Gain an awareness of the different 3D printing technologies available
    • Awareness of suitable applications for specific technologies
    • Awareness of the various materials that can be 3D printed
    • Understand the pros & cons of each technology
  • 3D printing workflow
    • Develop an awareness of a selection of available CAD packages
    • Understand what you need to keep in mind when creating a part to be 3D printed
    • Understand how digital CAD models are created
    • Gain an awareness of some of the libraries of digital models available online
    • Develop a basic understanding of 3D model file types
    • Understand how a model is ‘sliced’ for 3D printing
    • Understand the various 3D printing features e.g. rafts, support structures, shells, infills

This two-part series is suited to those at the beginner level who come from a technical background or have a keen interest in new technologies. No prior 3D printing knowledge is required.

AMMA provides consultancy and equipment sales of Additive Manufacturing and Industrial Digitisation Technologies to manufacturing and engineering organisations across the UK.

Register to attend

Dates & Venues

DateAvailable now
LocationSelf-directed online learning
DurationEight hours approximately
CostFree
Course tokenUse token: AMCF3DP21

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